GRGR(5) Katje: take two

[Michael Perez]

Paul wrote:
"If the opposite of professional is amateur then we need to ask if K
loved her work. At this point of the book it doesn't seem like it."

David wrote:
"In this context, 'professional' has to do with 'buying and selling"
without regard to the human cost beyond its market value.  Katje has
been in the employ of 'professionals' and may be in training to be one
herself. Her heart is obscure, carefully kept so by her own design. 
There are hints that she cares, has a conscience, but not what drives
it.  Blicero observes that she 'plays at playing,' that her heart is
not engaged in HIS game.  Is it engaged elsewhere?  Is she an example
of another "Slothrop" coldly aware of the conditioning going on, and
finding emotional disengagement as the only way to hold on to herself?"

I agree that Katje does not seem to enjoy what she's doing and her
"heart" is not engaged in Blicero's game, but I think that her
enjoyment and heart's engagement are irrelevant to both her motivation
and her success in whatever could be her profession (spy? prostitute?
nutritionist?).  She obviously has certain physical attributes that
seem to stimulate certain reactions in men and one octopus.  She uses
this to survive, to get on with her measly little life in whatever
country and on whatever side will ensure her optimum survival.  Her
"heart must wait until it is safe to engage itself, to this extent
there is an emotional disengagement and I believe she is somewhat aware
of what They want from her, but it does not matter until she is safe. 
Now if you want to talk about who, if anyone, in these matters is in
control. . . Well, I still think the text so far reiterates what we are
told in the seance scene in GRGR (2), control is an illusion.

Michael




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